Australian Indigenous Literature

Classic Australian

literature: lessons for life

Suitable for

Grades 7-10

Indigenous Poems - Oodgeroo Noonuccal

INTRODUCTION

The indigenous poetry of Oodgeroo Noonuccal is significant in the history of

Australian culture. The political and cultural themes of dispossession and

cultural divides are as relevant now as the time in which they were written.

Students will examine two different styles of poetry, their structure, style and

historical context; from their understanding of contemporary issues they will

create texts, design visual elements of story, research local history and create

biographical articles. A variety of texts are available as resources including

radio interview, historical archives, poetry websites and youtube clips.

Included are poetry analysis worksheets, vocabulary activities and suggested

summative and formative assessment.

POEMS

‘We are going ’[available online at http://www.poetrylibrary.edu.au/poets/noonuccal-oodgeroo ]

‘No more boomerang’

This poem is read aloud to the indigenous music of the band ‘coloured stone’

http://youtu.be/codU1Ei2Etg]

Summary

Oodgeroo Noonuccal (formerly known as Kath walker ) was the first indigenous

female poet to have her works published in 1964 to great success as the title We are

going. Awarded the OBE in 1970 she famously returned the honour in 1987 in

protest of the Bicentennial Celebrations Australia Day 1988. Born on North

Stradbroke Island Minjerribah she worked in domestic service in Brisbane while

raising two children. She returned to Minjerribah as a ‘grandmother’ and educator to

the children of the island.

This series of poems will be analysed using the method SMILES

S tructure line length, organisation of text, rhyme scheme, syllables

M eaning title, overall theme, message, subject

I magery visual picture, literary features, symbolism, irony

L anguage grammar, punctuation, use of words – simple, complex, lyrical,

colloquial, ironic

E ffect opinion,...